Admissions & Registration

Get to Where You Want to Go!

Every day, we help people like you achieve their goals, whether that is earning a degree, preparing for a new career, or gaining skills to improve their jobs and their lives. All you need to become a student at NECC is a high school diploma or GED/HiSET – there is no application fee and no SAT scores are needed. Follow the steps below and start on your path to a better future! If you still need your GED/HiSET, click here to learn more about our High School Equivalency program.

First Time Students

If you are attending NECC for the first time, or are returning after an absence, click here to begin the online application.

Apply to Northern Essex

It’s easy to apply to NECC. If you are a first time student, click on the “first time student” link above to get started.

If you are one of the following types of students, click on the box that best represents you to get started.

RETURNING TO SCHOOL AFTER TIME-OUT

GRADUATING HIGH SCHOOL SENIORS

INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS

UNDOCUMENTED STUDENTS

HELP ME FIGURE OUT MY STUDENT TYPE

Apply for Financial Aid

Financial aid can help you pay for the costs of attending NECC – including tuition and fees, books, and other expenses (room and board, transportation, and personal costs). Over 65% of our students receive Financial Aid, so apply today! MORE about applying for aid.

Take the Academic Placement Assessment

The Academic Placement Assessment, or ACCUPLACER, will help to accurately place you in the appropriate English, writing, and math classes to ensure your success. MORE about Accuplacer testing

Meet With an Advisor

Whether you are unsure about what you would like to study, or you want help planning your path to your dream job, we can help. Drop by the Career Planning and Advising Center and we will help you develop an academic plan so you can get on, and stay on, track to achieve your goals. MORE about Academic Advising

Register for Classes

Congratulations! Once you have met with an advisor and developed an academic plan you can register for your classes. MORE about Registering for Classes